Once only accessible to the rich and famous, plastic surgery has indeed become more popular over the years, and hence, more affordable. Nevertheless, plastic and cosmetic surgery remains a pricey undertaking for most people and can require a little help with financing.

Since most cosmetic surgery is not covered by insurance, financing is often the only means by which an average patient can afford plastic surgery. While most people find it hard to wrap their minds around taking out a loan for cosmetic surgery, opting for a loan can definitely help you make an investment in yourself.

Many financial companies specialize in medical loans, and can provide customers with numerous financing options for their surgery from liposuction to lip implants. Banks and loan companies will often loan from $1000 to $25,000, which allows customers to select the procedure they most want, regardless of expense. People with very good credit ratings are typically granted low-interest terms, and usual pay back terms allow 24, 36, 48 or 60 months to pay off your loan. You can use a plastic surgery cost calculator to help you determine how much it will cost monthly to make your surgery a reality, and how many years it will take to pay off the entire loan.

Most plastic surgery clinics will work with you to develop a realistic payment plan for your surgery, and most plastic surgery offices or clinics will have some sort of financing option available to its patients. Installment plans can be arranged with the doctor’s office, and specific cosmetic surgery loans are often offered from outside sources like banks and creditors.

When borrowing for your surgery, consider adding a small cushion to the loan amount to help balance any extra costs you may incur by taking extra time off from work or opting for a second procedure. And, be careful before you sign on the dotted line. Make sure you understand the amount you are borrowing, the amount and the terms for payment, and be sure you fully understand the consequences of defaulting on a payment.

Investigate the different costs for the procedure you want as well, since costs can vary from state to state and even city to city. While the least costly procedure price may not always be the best choice, it is a good idea to get a general picture of how much your procedure should cost. Having plastic surgery abroad can reduce your cost, but brings with it another set of concerns and risks. Before opting for plastic surgery outside of the US, do your research and exercise great caution. Getting a cosmetic surgery loan may seem like a large price to pay for your surgical procedure, but at the end of the day in spite of the cost, you’re making an investment in yourself - make an educated and wise choice.